Listen

“But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t withhold your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.”

Luke 6:27-31

Think

Here is upside-down happiness’s foundation: treat people how you want to be treated. You want to be loved? Love others. You want to be appreciated and valued as a person? Value and appreciate others. You want to be heard? Listen to others. These practices are how we demonstrate God’s love for others and us.

Loving your enemies and doing good to those who hate you can be dangerous. We do not want to keep ourselves in harm’s way but can practice self-care without resorting to hate and vengeance. Hate just breeds more hatred.

God’s upside-down happiness shows us a way to stay present in the world without hatred in our hearts. This happiness allows love to function as the foundation of all we say and do. When God’s love drives our actions, we push against the narrative of hate. So, let’s love more as God loves us.

James Blay

Pray

Loving God, guide me as I seek to love others as you have loved me, even those I may disagree with.

Let your love be the launch pad for how I live.

Amen.

Go

Spread the word; a different standard of happiness is available for everyone.